Forgotten biliary stents: ignorance is not bliss

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic biliary stenting is a common procedure in routine gastroenterology practice. Plastic stents are the most common type of stents used and are indicated mainly for short-term biliary drainage. Prolonged indwelling plastic stents can result in disastrous complications.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who presented with complications of forgotten biliary stents in a tertiary care hospital during January 2010 to October 2016. All patients were managed either by endoscopic or surgical means. Details of these patients were obtained from departmental patient database, endoscopy records, and surgical register.

Results: A total of 21 cases of retained biliary stents were managed in the study period and their outcome was analyzed. The median age was 47 years (range 17-70 years) and 17 (80.9%) patients were female. Primary indication of biliary stenting was stone disease in 76.2% (n = 16), while benign biliary stricture accounted for 19% of cases (n = 4). Mean duration at presentation to hospital after ERCP stenting was 3.53 years (range 1-14 years), with cholangitis being the most common presentation (66.67%). Definitive endoscopic treatment for forgotten stent and its associated complication was possible only in five patients (23.8%); in remaining 16 (76.2%) cases, surgical exploration was required. Despite life-threatening complications and major surgical interventions, no mortality was recorded.

Conclusions: Instances of forgotten biliary stents presenting with serious complications are not uncommon in Indian setup. Patients either ignore advice for timely stent removal or are unaware of the presence of endoprosthesis or need for removal. Adequate patient counseling, information, and proper documentation are essential to avoid this condition.

Keywords: Cholangitis; Endoscopic biliary stenting; Forgotten stent; Stentolith.